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Senators GM Bryan Murray has been among those sniffing around the NHL to see what's available, but like his 29 counterparts he's finding it's a lot easier to give than receive when it comes to making a trade.

League sources told the Sun Tuesday it's going to take at least another week before the market shakes loose and there's enough separation between the top and the bottom-feeders for teams to start having serious trade talks.

While the Senators are determined to go with what they've got to fill the void left by the back surgery to centre Jason Spezza, Murray likely couldn't make a deal unless he was willing to give up a top prospect to get something in return.

The Senators are determined to make the post-season, but not at any cost. They are hopeful Spezza will be able to return from his back surgery before the playoffs and he'll be in a position to help them down the stretch.

Murray isn't the only GM who has called around. Two league executives said that Washington Capitals GM George McPhee and Paul Holmgren of the Philadelphia Flyers have both been working the phones desperately.

"There's not many players available," said a league executive Monday. "If you want one, and one becomes available, you better go snap him up quick cause the market is light."